A very hypothetical question for frequent posters in the LGBT forum

[La Lioness Priyanka]

say there were a number of lgbt posters who were non-white (as opposed to now, where there is only 3-4, to the best of my knowledge) and we set up a LGBT People of Color Forum, to discuss intersectionality of race/sexual orientation. Would you guys object to that?

I mean for those in activism these groups exist in real life (the audre lord project, SALGA, Q-wave and hundreds more), so would you object if we had a separate group here?

[Behind the Aegis]

1. I wouldn't object, but I wouldn't see the need.

I don't think this group excludes non-white GLBT people and the benefit from having GBLT folks of all racial/ethnic backgrounds only serves to bring our community closer. If, however, the majority felt their voices were not being heard or the SOP of the group excluded their voices, then I would fully support it, while being upset this group didn't support their voices.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

2. that's fair.

and yes, our SOP is very broad so that a discussion of race and racism within the lGBT movement would not be seen as not fitting here however if members felt unsafe discussing it here, i would be open to a new group

[Behind the Aegis]

3. As I said, if they felt their voices were unheard, I would support it.

However, as the group stands now, I think such a conversation would be welcomed. We are an easy group to target, there is strength in numbers. If non-white GLBT folks can't get their message out to their own community, then we, as a community, have some real issues.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. lol at this point, i think i am the token non-white, since chovexani doesn't post regularly

and i dont see a need for a separate group for myself. though i do find it kinda funny

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Why do you find it funny?

[La Lioness Priyanka]

6. a forum for myself? you don't find that funny

i mean not a LGBT POC forum, i mean a forum that only i post in and then reply to myself. thats what i found funny

[Behind the Aegis]

7. OH....well, I guess you'd always win any arguments! There's a plus!

I know there are others here. I don't know why they don't post here or don't self-identify as POC, but, perhaps, with the advent of DU3 we will see more participation.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

8. there are definitely others, just not frequent posters

i too wish there was a larger lgbt poc community

[William769]

9. You my dear are a army of one!

Just one of the reasons I adore you so much.

If you feel the need for a sub group, I would support it although I agree with Behind the Aegis. But since you brought it up I can only assume there was a reason for it and I trust your judgment.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

11. its totally not necessary now

but should the need ever come up, i am glad for your support

[HillWilliam]

10. I certainly wouldn't object

especially if the main focus of a POC would be activism. The loss in the main forum would be educating others like myself on LGBT* POC issues. My only question would be "how can I support you if I don't know your needs?" If the LGBT POC group would elect liaisons to educate the wider community or to bring attention to "show-up in person" actions so the rest of us can stand in solidarity, that would be awesome.

One axiom I learned in the Army that has proven true is that every situation can be a vehicle to education. I'm always ready to learn something new. Even this discussion can be edifying.

Just thinkin' out loud.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

12. thanks hillwilliam

its completely a hypothetical question now, but should the need come up, i am glad that we can have a thoughtful discussion for it here

[MNBrewer]

13. Whatever serves the needs of the members is what we should have.

[dsc]

14. I would feel bad that we weren't able to meet your needs

but if that were the case, I would certainly support it.

[Zenlitened]

15. No objection, but I would be saddened to learn...

... there was a need for such separation here at DU3 at all.

I think there's a potential, now, for a unity and shared strength that was, for a long list of reasons, not achievable before.